Chapter 8.1 Flashcards
Primary energy
Energy found in nature that has not yet been subject to processing of any kind
Secondary energy
Primary energy that has been processed or exploited
Specific energy Es
The amount of energy that can be extracted from a unit mass of fuel
Energy density ED
The amount of energy that can be extracted from a unit volume of fuel
Non-renewable energy
Sources of energy that are finite and are being depleted much faster than they are produced so will run out
Renewable energy
Sources of energy that are dependent on solar energy
Sankey diagram
An arrow block diagram representing energy flows
Advantages of using fossil fuels for energy production
Relatively cheap
High power output
Variety of engines and devices use them directly and easily
Extensive distribution network is in place
Disadvantages of using fossil fuels for energy production
Will run out
Pollutes the environment
Contributes to greenhouse effect by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
Critical mass
The minimum mass of a fuel required to start a chain reaction
Moderator
A material surrounding the fuel rods that slows down neutrons so that fission can be achieved
Fuel rods
Tubes containing uranium in nuclear generators
Heat exchanger
Used to extract heat from the moderator
Control rods
Used to absorb neutrons when there are too many to decrease the rate of reactions
Advantages of nuclear power
High power output
Large reserves of nuclear fuels
Nuclear power stations don’t produce greenhouse gases
Disadvantages of nuclear power
Radioactive waste products difficult to dispose of
Major public health hazard should something go wrong
Problems associated with uranium mining
Possibility of producing materials for nuclear weapons
Photovoltaic cell
A cell that converts sunlight directly into direct current
Advantages of solar power
Free
Inexhaustible
Clean
Disadvantages of solar power
Works during the day only
Affected by cloudy weather
Low power output
Requires large areas
Initial costs high
Hydroelectric power
Power derived from moving water masses
Advantages of hydroelectric power
Free
Inexhaustible
Clean
Disadvantages of hydroelectric power
Very dependent on location
Requires drastic changes to the environment
Initial costs high
Pumped storage system
A hydroelectric plant that pumps the water that flows to lower heights back to its original height by using the generators of the plant as motors
Advantages of wind power
Free
Inexhaustible
Clean
Disadvantages of wind power
Dependent on local wind condition
Aesthetic problems
Noise problems
